The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is featuring Blaque by Jonathan Rashad Wright, a University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff art and design instructor, as a highlight of ASC’s 2026 Black History Month programming.
Blaque will be on display through July 3 at ASC, 701 S. Main St., part of the ARTx3 Campus.
The opening reception was held Feb. 19, launching an exhibition that explores identity, heritage, grief and resilience through innovative artistic expression, according to a news release.
Wright, an instructor in the UAPB Department of Art and Design in the School of Arts and Sciences, describes Blaque as more than a color.
Blaque is often seen as strength and elegance, he said.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“But, for some, this shade evokes feelings of sadness and grief. Collectively, these terms accurately depict the lived experiences of so many within the African diaspora,” Wright said in his artist statement.
Blending traditional printmaking techniques with modern technology, Wright honors cultural traditions while embracing contemporary advancement.
“His deliberate use of black ink on black paper rejects a glossy veneer, instead presenting a raw, honest reflection of personal and collective history,” according to the release.
The exhibition challenges viewers to look closely.
“At first glance, the dark images may appear elusive, but with prolonged viewing, intricate details emerge — symbolizing the depth and nuance often overlooked in superficial interactions,” according to the release. “Wright notes that the way darker imagery can seem to vanish serves as a metaphor for how African American history — from royal ancestry to dehumanization — risks fading if not intentionally preserved and honored.”
A significant inspiration for this body of work was Wright’s maternal grandmother.
“Her passing marked what he calls a ‘Blaque moment’ of reflection — a space where grief intersects with vibrant family traditions and enduring resilience. Through this lens, Blaque becomes not just a shade but a moment in time,” according to the release.
Born in Pine Bluff, Wright earned his associate degree from Southeast Arkansas College in 2009 before completing his Bachelor of Science degree in visual arts from UAPB, where he studied under Henri Linton Sr., Danny Campbell, Paul Hooven and Husny Dahlan. During this time, his artwork was juried into the 2015 Creativity Arkansas exhibition at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock and selected for a purchase award, adding it to the center’s permanent collection.
He later earned his Master of Fine Arts in printmaking from Arizona State University in 2019 and was a recipient of the Mid-America Arts Alliance’s 2023 Catalyze Grant. Wright credits several influential mentors throughout his journey, including his high school art teacher, Cathy Burns.
His passion for working with his hands drives his distinctive approach — combining traditional woodcut techniques with laser technology to create layered, thought-provoking pieces. His current body of work emphasizes the rich history of the African American community, their experiences and their heritage.
ASC gallery admission is free and open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
